Liverpool banter 8

05 Jul 2026 19:22:27
Wow, FIFA are in no corrupt and being influenced by Trump are they?

Balogun's red card suspension, suspended for 12 months.

WTAF??

05 Jul 2026 19:33:53
Honestly, after the Paraguay team being granted carte blanche to kick on of the main threats to either a Portugal v Argentina final or a USA final, I didn't expect anything less.

FIFA is the most openly corrupt institution on the planet.

It wasn't simply Blatter, Platini or Warner. Not corrupt individuals. It is the entire network. It starts with bribery and favours and escalates.

What a shameful and embarrassing advert for the beautiful game.

05 Jul 2026 19:38:03
Whilst it's definitely corruption that's seen this occur, have you seen the red card itself? It is never a red card. It's not even a yellow. It was a really unfortunate accident. He wasn't looking at his opponent at all, he was just trying to plant his foot back behind him to brace for being challenged as the ball came into him.



Desperately unlucky for both players, but although corrupt, I feel justice has been done. If I got a red card for that on a Sunday I'd be livid. At some point we have to remember that it is a contact sport.

05 Jul 2026 19:42:05
Marco Rubio and Trump being very vocal about it. They don't even try to hide the corruption. Just when I thought the hate for FIFA, Infantino and USA couldn't get bigger and they pull off this ...

05 Jul 2026 19:44:46
After Luis Diaz scoring a goal, miles onside, VAR agreeing it was a goal, doesn't count on the scoreboard, and the game isn't stopped.

Nothing shocks me anymore. Nothing.

05 Jul 2026 19:52:32
Well said, MKS. I agree.

05 Jul 2026 20:53:24
We've seen far worse red cards not get rescinded. This might be the most corrupt World Cup of all time.

05 Jul 2026 20:55:15
I didn't think it was a red at the game. However, FIFA suspending the red for 12 months rather than rescinding it after an appeal means they think it still is a red.
It's disgustingly corrupt, but not unexpected.
So, what happens now if another player gets a red? Do they get theirs rescinded? What happens to the Mexican defender who got a red? Can he play now too?
I know sport is not fair like it should be, and certainly not a level playing field, but it needs to be called out when it's seen.

05 Jul 2026 21:11:18
It is irrelevant whether the tackle was unfairly red-carded. The card was given and there are no rules to review and overturn it. If it had been a Belgian player who had been red-carded in similar circumstances, do you think he would be playing against USA? Not a chance. Trump has pressurised Infantini into this, and he hasn't got the balls to stand up to him.

Football supporters all around the world need to protest to get Infantini out. He has twice sold the soul of football. First with the FIFA Peace Prize given to Trump, and now this. Shameful. I thought it would be difficult for FIFA to get anyone more corrupt than Blatter, but they have excelled themselves with Infantini.

05 Jul 2026 21:00:34
Apparently FIFA renyt a whole floor in trump tower and don't use it its the easy way to bribe trump

05 Jul 2026 21:06:52
MKS and any others believing justice has been done need to look at themselves and what really is going on.

05 Jul 2026 22:09:18
They said on the TV there's no appeal process in the World Cup, so FIFA have come up with this bizarre workaround. Problem is, they don't seem answerable to anyone unless it's a legal issue.

05 Jul 2026 22:10:17
Didn't Ronaldo get sent off against Ireland in the qualifiers and get a 2 game ban which was deferred? So 1 rule for some and a different one for the rest.

05 Jul 2026 22:14:30
I think it was a red, to be honest. A few more pounds of pressure and we'd be talking about broken ankles. It's reckless and dangerous, in my opinion.

The Belgian FA have made a statement about the red card. They are not happy, and it reads as follows:

"The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA's decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA-Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time)."

"FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction."

"However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup."

"Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5:

"If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team's subsequent match.

In addition, further sanctions may be imposed."

"The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026."

"The same rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting prior to each match and is included in all FIFA World Cup 2026 workshop presentations.

"In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options."

05 Jul 2026 22:57:23
Kimos2, I'm not denying it's an awful decision to suspend the red card ban. It's blatant corruption. I'm just saying that for me it was never a red card in the first place. If that's a red card, the game is well and truly gone on the pitch. However, if Presidents can now bribe/threaten FIFA into suspending red card bans, maybe the game is already gone off the pitch.



The whole thing is an embarrassing mess and I've decided to boycott the rest of the World Cup because it's clearly as much of a corrupt mess as the AFCON. International football needs to hang its head.

05 Jul 2026 23:02:21
It was an unfortunate red, but there has never been any mechanism for red cards to be rescinded during a World Cup. But now it happens for a US player after angry comments by the Trump administration.

We really should not be surprised. The hosting of the World Cup has previously been given to a Mexican junta twice, an Argentinian junta once, Putin, Qatar etc.

Countries should show some metal and leave FIFA.

06 Jul 2026 00:10:26
As much as I loathe the corruption in FIFA, I'm a bit indifferent to the false moral outrage about Paraguay, personally kind of enjoyed the s***housery and the fact they gave France a kicking.

06 Jul 2026 10:20:15
Desiered, yup, FIFA used their discretion to suspend 2 of the remaining 3-game suspension CR7 received for an elbow to the head, lol.

Justice pays, aye.

06 Jul 2026 11:14:05
The red card wasn't rescinded, so it was a red card; whatever you think.
The ban was suspended without explanation.
It's corruption.

06 Jul 2026 11:50:11
"I feel justice has been done. If I got a red card for that on a Sunday I'd be livid."

Mks, justice can never be done where blatant cheating & corruption were the remedies.

Sorry, but you've had a 'mare on this one, mate. Just saying.

05 Jul 2026 18:27:16
Hey Team, are there any good young English players we’re looking at who could take the roles of Salah in the market?

Apart from our Rio obviously!

05 Jul 2026 19:44:13
In a nutshell, no. Saka, Bowen and Gordon are the only good English wingers and "good" is all they are. Saka is massively over rested though so would cost hundreds of millions, Gordon has just moved to Barca for an inflated fee, and Bowen is nearly 30.

After that the likes of Madueke, Rashford, Murphy, Barnes, Hudson-Odoi, Sancho etc are just run of the mill average at best players.

Of the 4 best u21 talents (Rio, Abe, M.Mane and Dowman) we already have two of them.

Just as I was about to finish my post I did remember one English winger who is actually very good, but he's also a rapist and a thug so I'd rather leave him in France, even if he was the last winger on earth.

05 Jul 2026 20:52:30
Nwaneri isn't bad, got to be considering his options being behind Saka and Madueke on the right, and very far down the pecking order for midfield.

05 Jul 2026 22:58:16
Parker, I've only ever seen Nwanieri play as an AM, to be honest. I don't really see him as a winger as a result, but agree he's very talented!

06 Jul 2026 00:21:08
Yeah Nwanieri looks decent as a winger but Arsenal wouldn't sell to us.

05 Jul 2026 18:05:48
MonsterSouness (and others)... Have a look at the Paddy Power 'Vamos Mexico' post on youbtube.

Vamos Mexico!

05 Jul 2026 18:15:19
? Love it! Epic stuff.

05 Jul 2026 18:24:45
Thanks LFC. So funny!

05 Jul 2026 19:24:26
The bean 'taco' Pmsl.

05 Jul 2026 19:34:02
Possible chance to see Nusa versus Rayan tonight, 9 o'clock, ITV1, ITVX.

Norway has never lost to Brazil in four meetings, drawing two and losing two. Gabriel versus Haaland should be feisty, one hopes!

05 Jul 2026 22:51:02
Neither have shown anything. Rayan looks like a big, clumsy player, hardly your typical Brazilian wide man. Both keepers have played well though, and a great header from Haaland.

05 Jul 2026 17:42:34
One less winger on the market as Toure has signed for Newcastle, I know he was looked at by us.

05 Jul 2026 18:01:51
If we were looking at him, his World Cup appearances probably put us off. He looked absolutely shocking. Ivory Coast improved massively every time he was subbed off for Amad.

05 Jul 2026 18:40:21
We also bought Newcastle's first choice lw replacement for Gordon, it'd be wasteful (not to mention, churlish) for us to buy their second choice too.

05 Jul 2026 19:03:08
Toure only started one game, MK. He was mostly coming on too.

Bad first game, but showed flashes when he came on as a sub.

Personally, like I've said numerous times, I think there's a very good player in Toure. Think he'll prove a very good signing in time.

05 Jul 2026 19:48:56
Yes, Davey, but in those games, Ivory Coast were still a better side when he wasn't on the pitch, so it doesn't change my stance. My missus got them in the sweepstake, so I watched all their games in full. He just looked shocking to me. Another classic Bundesliga stat padder, it would seem.

Also, why I'm wary of Diomande even more so. If RBL thought the World Cup would increase his value they've made a mistake because he didn't look anywhere close to ready for Premier League football.

He had a very good first game where he ruined Hincapie and then pretty much disappeared for the rest of the tournament, although it didn't help him at all that he was moved over to the left wing where he is truly dreadful.

05 Jul 2026 19:55:22
Toure has incredible pace and is great and pulling the ball back for assists. Will do well in the Prem, although very raw.

05 Jul 2026 16:43:35
Who else will be chuffed for Klopp to see him become German manager?

I was always slightly saddened to hear rumours he might become RM manager as that would not fit his values, but Germany manager seems like a (potentially, assuming he gets the job and it is his last) fitting end to his managerial career.

05 Jul 2026 17:31:53
Happy to see it Todd. Would love to see if he gets Germany playing pressing football on the international stage!

Do wonder if Pep will be tempted to take an international team to reignite the rivalry? Not sure who it would be, though, because he won't manage Spain.

05 Jul 2026 17:37:39
Don't say end, our latest manager only signed a short contract, we may see him back again one day, he's not that old, anyone would think he's 80, ready for pushing up daisies.
Let him have a relaxing rest with national team then come back full of energy for his second coming.

05 Jul 2026 17:55:12
I think Pep would take the England job.

05 Jul 2026 18:02:39
I'm absolutely delighted for him. ?

05 Jul 2026 18:52:16
If it's what he wants then I hope he does well.
I hope he continues to enjoy the fruits of his labour when he's not managing Germany.

05 Jul 2026 19:23:52
I'd have put my house on Klopp becoming Germany manager after this World Cup.
Should have really. Lol.

05 Jul 2026 15:53:46
Why I said within 24hrs, tounge in cheek.

05 Jul 2026 18:06:51
What? ? ?

05 Jul 2026 18:41:14
Some posters can't tell the difference between starting a new post and replying to a current one.

The OP has form in this.

05 Jul 2026 15:34:26
I remember reading a while ago a journo saying big clubs will always put their names in the hat for a player even if they aren’t actually looking to sign them as it keeps the club's image. Keeps fans happy and makes other teams move etc

We don’t know what’s going on behind closed doors really, whether the Diomande was a smoke screen for Barcola all along, we bid and make PSG show their hand.

They move for Diomande and we snatch Barcola. We were sniffing around Barcola last season and I wonder if we were putting in the leg work ready for this season or if we genuinely seen the rise of Diomande this past year and have a real interest.

Looking forward to a Carra update!

05 Jul 2026 15:53:45
One's a RW, one's a LW, I don't think there's a smokescreen. If he does sign for PSG it's likely he may be loaned back to RBL for a year, meaning we get neither Diomande or Barcola and are left holding our b*******.

05 Jul 2026 16:40:02
That doesn't make sense, regardless of whether OSG sign Diomande or not, they are not in a position where they need to sell players. I don't think they are keen to sell Barcola, but if a large offer came in, I am sure they would consider it.
Carra and TF have already explained the situation.

05 Jul 2026 16:43:49
New here, well been on here years but not for a while and made a new account. Was back when Mecca was about, etc. I've heard Carra, Robbo and Fields are most reliable. How do I find their posts, please, Reds?

05 Jul 2026 16:53:57
ElNino, you can click on their names under one of their posts, or you can use the search bar at the top of the page.

05 Jul 2026 17:12:04
They can give you the update no too player wants to join a club that got into the CL by the skin of their teeth. All because of Slot.

05 Jul 2026 18:57:27
Oh good, another Harry alt to add to the block list. ?

05 Jul 2026 14:39:19
Hi Ed01

Hope you're well mate?

I asked a little while back on your thoughts regarding Alex Scott and you said how much you'd thought he'd come on this past season & if I remember you were very complimentary about his progression especially in the comparison to Wharton.

Seeing or hearing some snippets that UTD, City, Arsenal & Chelsea all might be showing signs of interest in him does it seem foolish if we don't look into any possibility of moving for him given his relationship with Iraola & how much he progressed under him?

Thanks Ed

{Ed001's Note - I would have thought we should be more interested in getting a destroyer in there personally.}

05 Jul 2026 15:31:09
Alex Scott is hardly a similar kind of player to Wharton, he is not at all a passer primarily. He is a press resistant carrier who is good in small spaces and very good at winning his duels, he's added a lot of robustness to his game since joining Bournemouth.

I'd say he's kind of like a combination of Curtis Jones and Szoboszlai, but Szoboszlai is a superior player to him and I'd say Curtis Jones isn't massively inferior to him in any regard, so I don't see the need.

05 Jul 2026 15:00:22
Ed001, who would you like to see coming in as a destroyer for us?

{Ed001's Note - Sadiki.}

05 Jul 2026 15:54:56
Cheers for the reply Ed ?

Patrik - With my limited "technical" expertise you seemed to have described just the player we need

05 Jul 2026 20:32:23
Sadiki would be a great signing, he's exactly what we are missing. Against England he was the best player on the pitch by some way. If Ed 1 want him get him signed up!

05 Jul 2026 14:09:05
BBC reporting that Real Madrid have signed Denzel Dumfries from Inter on a four-year deal. They have reportedly activated his €20m release clause. Will be interesting to see if he gets on ahead of TAA.

05 Jul 2026 14:30:42
Almost certainly. Mourinho is all about boring defensive football so he will likely see Trent as too big a risk in defence.

05 Jul 2026 14:52:51
Sadly, I do find myself quite happy at how this move has gone for TAA. He's gone from hometown hero to zero in the fastest time ever yet with very little benefit in terms of his career (ignoring the £s). My guess is that he'll ultimately regret his life choices at some point, probably when he ends up at a mid table PL side next season.

05 Jul 2026 15:32:25
Dumfries is not at all a better defender than Trent and I'd say he's possibly worse, so I'm not sure how you would be getting an upgrade in that respect, Shipley. Maybe Mourinho wants to play three at the back with wing backs, in which case Trent wouldn't be suited.

05 Jul 2026 15:44:27
Dumfries is definitely a better defender than Trent from what I've seen of them both. He's better in the air, quicker, physically stronger in 50/50 challenges etc.

Trent's miles better with the ball though and overall the better player. But to say he can defend better than Dumfries? I can't agree with that, unfortunately, mate.

05 Jul 2026 15:50:25
Johnnyr, TTA is a multi millionaire. He probably won't care or regret his choice of leaving the club.

05 Jul 2026 16:14:12
Am quite pleased that they have signed Dumfries so that we didn't get him.

05 Jul 2026 16:41:17
I hear you, Barry, but deep down inside there'll always be something nagging at him for how sour it ended at Liverpool, especially as it's not going that well at his new club.

05 Jul 2026 16:48:47
Yes there is a chance, Johnnyr, but as the saying goes he made his bed, brother. ?

05 Jul 2026 17:09:39
Be great if Dumfries won Ballon d'Or.

05 Jul 2026 17:19:21
Good call, SJ. ?

05 Jul 2026 17:45:58
Johnnyr, we might like to think he has regrets, but I think these players are so aloof nowadays they don't actually give a F.

05 Jul 2026 18:39:59
He will ultimately regret his choice, but most of which was influenced by his brother.

Sometimes, the ones closest make the work advice.